By Fridah Mbuvi, June 16, 2026
Funyula Member of Parliament Wilberforce Oundo has accused Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen of promoting impunity by refusing to implement a High Court directive requiring police officers deployed during demonstrations to be easily identifiable.
Speaking on Citizen TV’s DayBreak programme, Oundo criticized the government’s stance on the issue, arguing that failure to comply with court orders undermines the rule of law and weakens public confidence in state institutions.
The lawmaker referenced a landmark ruling issued by the High Court on April 30, 2025, which directed that all police officers assigned to manage public assemblies, demonstrations and picketing must wear full, identifiable uniforms. The court also prohibited officers from concealing their identities through masks, face coverings or operating in plain clothes during protests.
Oundo claimed that despite the clear judicial directive, Murkomen had openly told Parliament that the order would not be implemented, a move critics have interpreted as defiance of the judiciary.
“He stood before Parliament and stated that the directive would never happen. That amounts to contempt of court and sends the wrong message about respect for the rule of law,” Oundo said.
The MP’s remarks add to growing criticism directed at the Interior Ministry over its handling of protests and police accountability.
Civil society groups, including the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and Katiba Institute, have previously challenged several directives issued by the Interior CS in court. Among the contested issues are remarks suggesting the government would not cooperate with independent investigations into deaths linked to police operations, as well as proposals seeking legal protection for officers accused of excessive use of force.
However, Murkomen has defended the government’s position, maintaining that stronger regulations are needed to ensure public order and distinguish peaceful demonstrators from criminal elements.
Speaking recently at State House, the Interior CS said the government is working on a new legal framework aimed at operationalizing Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and demonstration.
According to Murkomen, the proposed regulations are intended to prevent infiltration of protests by hired goons and political saboteurs while safeguarding legitimate demonstrations.
The latest exchange highlights the continuing tensions between the government, the judiciary and civil society over police accountability and the management of public protests.
